Hi, sorry that im no where near maryland. Im a fairly new caver as well. Let me share some of my advice as a newbie. Listen to the older/ more experianced cavers. They have alot of information. The best part is they dont normally have somebody to share it with so it is practically gushing. You can learn so much from them.
Sorry im not a car guy. you would be ashamed of me if you knew what my cars condition was. Im an Aircraft guy. Interesting thing about cavers that ive found, they come from all fields of knowlege. Yet they all love caving.
Cave softly